Halloween Safety

Halloween is a fun time of the year for kids, but can be a bit scary. Making sure your little monsters are safe is very important. 

When choosing costumes make sure to stay away from long trailing fabric. Always check to make sure the fabric is flame resistant.  If your child is wearing a mask, check that eye holes are large enough to provide an unrestricted view! When trick or treating, have your children carry a flashlight to not only light their way, but to keep them visible as well and think about incorporating glow stick on their costumes to increase visibility. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) two out of every five fires were started by candles. Decorations are the first thing to ignite in 900 reported home fires each year. Here are a few tips when decorating to keep in mind.

• Use battery powered candles if possible. If you are using a real candle inside a jack-o-lantern, make sure to use long, fireplace-style matches or a utility lighter.
• Be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn and far enough out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways and yards.
• Keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.
• Always check smoke alarms to make sure they are working.
• Keep and tell children to stay away from open flames including jack-0-lanterns with candles in them.
• Dried cornstalks, dried flowers and paper decorations catch fire easily, make sure to keep any open flames and heat sources, such has light bulbs, at a safe distance.